The House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee is holding a hearing Thursday on a bill to allow up to five alternative treatment centers to dispense marijuana to patients as well as allow them to grow small amounts for personal use, or to designate a caregiver to grow it for them.

The bill's prime sponsor, Rep. Donna Schlachman of Exeter, says both options are needed to reach the most people in need of help.

The Legislature has passed bills to allow alternative care centers or individuals to grow marijuana, but not both. Former Gov. John Lynch vetoed the bills, but Gov. Maggie Hassan supports legalization with tight controls.